Biography

Albert Sidney Howell, ‘Sid’, was the oldest son of artist Albert Howell. Sid was instructed in painting by his father and later graduated from Burton Art School, before becoming a qualified art teacher in 1925.

Although one of the most significant artists at Orton & Spooner, his career took many turns over the years. He started to work for Orton & Spooner in 1930, where he became Chief Artist and Designer in 1933. Here he introduced new styles and design techniques, which revolutionised fairground art. During the Second World War Sid was laid off and didn’t return to the company until 1946.

Between 1947 and the 1960s, Sid worked as an artist and designer in various roles, including Belle Vue in Manchester, the Blackpool Illuminations and the National Coal Board.